Systems and apparatuses for carport with integrated precipitation and cable management

ABSTRACT

A solar power generation assembly includes a vertical support column; a canopy including a plurality of solar modules for solar power generation; a first brace and a second brace on a first side of the support column to support the canopy; a third brace and a fourth brace on a second side of the support column to support the canopy; and a gutter system integrated into the canopy and directing precipitation along one or more of the second brace and the fourth brace to the support column. One or more of the first brace and the third brace manage electrical cables extending from the canopy to the support column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/715,402, filed Dec. 16, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/529,375 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,533,337), filedAug. 1, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/936,021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,428,547), filed Mar. 26, 2018, which isa continuation and claims the benefit of U.S. Design Application No.29/639,281 (now U.S. Pat. No. D850,363), filed Mar. 5, 2018, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/593,475, filedDec. 1, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/608,329 filed Dec.20, 2017, which are all incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description which may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentinvention.

To reduce dependence on fossil fuels (both domestic and imported) andreduce the negative environmental impacts of such fuel emissions, thereis a need to increase the distributed power generation base. Similarly,there is a need to maximize the value and productivity of single-usereal estate to facilitate such things as mounting for PV or solarmodules, shade for cars, shade for outdoor activities and other eventsand purposes. Complications and limitations associated with rooftopinstallations make incorporating solar power generation systems inunderutilized open spaces one such means of addressing these needs. Thiswill necessitate an increase of the electrical transmissioninfrastructure.

Conventional support structures for PV power systems are typicallydesigned such that the module arrays are oriented along a single slopeplane. Several drawbacks of these structures include limited sight linesfrom beneath the structures, avalanching of snow and ice from thesystem, and difficulty of deployment on parking lots that are notideally geographically oriented. Accordingly, there is a need for animproved solar power generation assembly and methods for providing same.

SUMMARY

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages,will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a carportincludes a casting, wherein a first brace and a second brace on a firstside of the casting support a canopy, and a third brace and a fourthbrace on a second side of the casting also support the canopy. One ormore of the first brace and the third brace are configured forelectrical cable management, wherein electrical cables disposed withinthe first brace extend from the canopy through the first side of thecasting, and electrical cables disposed within the third brace extendfrom the canopy through the second side of the casting. Additionally,one or more of the second brace and the fourth brace are configured forprecipitation management, wherein a gutter system integrated into thecanopy directs precipitation to the second brace and the fourth brace,and the second brace and the fourth brace direct the precipitation fromthe canopy toward the casting.

According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a supportstructure includes a casting, wherein support structure includes a firstbrace and a second brace on a first side of the casting and a thirdbrace and a fourth brace on a second side of the casting, wherein one ormore of the first brace and the third brace are configured forelectrical cable management, wherein electrical cables are disposedwithin the first brace extend through the first side of the casting, andelectrical cables disposed within the third brace extend through thesecond side of the casting. Additionally, one or more of the secondbrace and the fourth brace are configured for precipitation management,wherein precipitation flows through the second brace and the fourthbrace to direct precipitation toward the casting.

According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a dual-tiltcarport includes a casting. Additionally, the dual-tilt carport includesa first brace and a second brace on a first side of the castingsupporting a first portion of a canopy, wherein the first portion of thecanopy is tilted at a first predetermined tilt angle. Further, thedual-tilt carport includes a third brace and a fourth brace on a secondside of the casting supporting a second portion of the canopy, whereinthe second portion of the canopy is tilted at a first predetermined tiltangle, wherein the first portion of the canopy is longer than the secondportion of the canopy. Additionally, one or more of the first brace andthe third brace are configured for electrical cable management, whereinelectrical cables disposed within the first brace extend from one ormore of the first portion of the canopy and the second portion of thecanopy through the first side of the casting, and electrical cablesdisposed within the third brace extend from one or more of the firstportion of the canopy and the second portion of the canopy through thesecond side of the casting. Additionally, one or more of the secondbrace and the fourth brace are configured for precipitation management,wherein a gutter system integrated into the first and second portion ofthe canopy directs precipitation to the second brace and the fourthbrace, and the second brace and the fourth brace direct theprecipitation from the first and second portion of the canopy toward thecasting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary solar power generation assembly according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary solar power generation assembly according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary solar power generation assembly according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary single-tilt carport at a firstpredetermined tilt angle according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary single-tilt carport at a secondpredetermined tilt angle according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport in a first predeterminedtilt angle configuration according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport in a second predeterminedtilt angle configuration according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport in a third predeterminedtilt angle configuration according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary precipitation flow according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary external portion for precipitationmanagement according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary internal portion for precipitationmanagement according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary integrated charging station according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 9 depicts exemplary integrated lighting according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 depicts exemplary purlin connection according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 11A depicts an exemplary casting according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 11B depicts an exemplary casting according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary placement for an inverter according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary placement for an inverter according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 13A depicts an exemplary column-to-brace weldment according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 13B depicts an exemplary column-to-brace casting according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary crossbeam accordingto one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 14B depicts a lengthwise end view of an exemplary crossbeamaccording to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 15A depicts an exemplary connection of a crossbeam connected to apurlin according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 15B depicts an exemplary connection apparatus configured to attacha crossbeam to a purlin according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 16A depicts an exemplary row of photovoltaic modules according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 16B depicts an exemplary purlin coupler according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 16C depicts an exemplary purlin end cap according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 16D depicts an end view of an exemplary purlin coupler according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 16E depicts an exemplary washer block according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawingsis intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the onlyembodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specificdetails for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosedsubject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, well-known structures and components may be shown inblock diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of thedisclosed subject matter.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic,operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment isincluded in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.Thus, any appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in anembodiment” in the specification is not necessarily referring to thesame embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures,characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended thatembodiments of the disclosed subject matter can and do covermodifications and variations of the described embodiments.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearlyspecified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the likecarry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understoodthat terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,”“side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,”“exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein,merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limitembodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particularorientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,”“second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions,components, points of reference, operations and/or functions asdescribed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration ororientation.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIGS. 1-3 depict exemplary solar power generation assemblies 100, 200,300 including a casting support structure supporting one or morecanopies including a plurality of solar or photovoltaic modulesconfigured for solar power generation. In general, the casting supportstructure elegantly and seamlessly integrates precipitation management,electrical cable management, lighting, and electric vehicle chargingfeatures with the solar power generation assembly.

More specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary solar power generationassembly 100 according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one implementation, the solar power generation assembly 100is a dual-tilt carport. However, the solar power generation assembly 100can be a service station, a canopy for shade or otherwise, a garage orany other functional and/or aesthetic structure, for example.

In one implementation, the dual-tilt carport has an asymmetric canopy,wherein a first portion 150 of the canopy is longer than a secondportion 155 of the canopy. Additionally, the first portion 150 of thecanopy can be tilted at a first predetermined tilt angle and the secondportion 155 of the canopy can be titled at a second predetermined tiltangle. Generally, the one or more predetermined tilt angles of the solarpower generation assemblies 100, 200, 300 are based on geographicallocation, which includes considering what predetermined tilt angles areoptimal for solar power generation in that geographical location.Alternatively, or additionally, the predetermined tilt angles are basedon the orientation of the solar power generation assembly, whichincludes considering how many degrees off azimuth the solar powergeneration assembly is oriented.

The casting 130 is attached to the column 105. In one implementation,the casting may be in the form of a Y-casting. However, other shapesand/or form factors for casting are possible. A first brace 110, asecond brace 115, a third brace 120, and a fourth brace 125 connect thecasting 130 to the crossbeam 135. As a result, the column 105, casting130, and first brace 110, second brace 115, third brace 120, and fourthbrace 125 provide a support structure. In one implementation, thesupport structure is a “Y” support structure, but other shapes and/orform factors are possible. Further, the crossbeam 135 supports aplurality of purlins 140, and the purlins 140 support a plurality ofsolar or photovoltaic modules 145. In one implementation, each purlinsupports a row of photovoltaic modules 145. The first, second, third,and fourth brace 110, 115, 120, 125 can be manufactured at differentlengths based on the predetermined tilt angle.

Additionally, in one implementation, the solar power generation assembly100 includes a plurality of columns 105. The distance between eachcolumn 105 can be based on geographic location and correspondingexpected weather in that geographic location. For example, because snowcan be reasonably expected each winter in the northeastern portion ofthe United States, for example, the columns 105 can be placed closertogether to more robustly support the weight of any snowfall. On theother hand, because snow is less likely in the western portion of theUnited States (e.g., California), the columns 105 can be placed fartherapart. Table 1 includes an exemplary number of columns 105 and columnspacing for expected snowfall in certain geographical regions.

TABLE 1 East Coast, 40 pounds per square foot (psf) of snow West CoastEast Coast, 50 psf Modules Total Length Col Space Col Space Col SpaceSeries “Up” (ft) #Column (ft) #Column (ft) #Column (ft) E-83 kW 6 138.95 29.5 4 37.5 7 20.7 E-66 kW 6 104.2 4 28.1 3 38.5 5 22.1 E-43 kW 6 69.53 25.7 2 40.7 4 18.7 X-83 kW 6 125.0 5 26.6 4 33.7 7 18.6 X-66 kW 6 93.84 25.3 3 34.6 5 19.9 X-43 kW 6 62.5 3 23.1 2 36.6 4 16.9

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary solar power generation assembly 200according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In oneimplementation, the solar power generation assembly 200 is a dual-tiltcarport, wherein the dual-tilt carport has a symmetric canopy where afirst portion of the canopy (e.g., first canopy 260) is the same lengthas a second portion of the canopy (e.g., second canopy 265). Solar powergeneration assembly 200 includes components that can also be used insolar power generation assembly 100. For example, the solar powergeneration assembly includes casting 230, column 205, first brace 210,second brace 215, third brace 220, fourth brace 225, and purlins 240.However, the solar power generation assembly 200 includes a first canopy260 and a second canopy 265. The first canopy 260 includes a firstcrossbeam 235 and a first set of photovoltaic modules 245 belonging tothe first canopy 260. The second canopy 265 includes a second crossbeam250 and a second set of photovoltaic modules 255 belonging to the secondcanopy 265. The first crossbeam 235 and the second crossbeam 250 do notdirectly connect. Additionally, the first set of photovoltaic modules245 and the second set of photovoltaic modules 255 do not directlyconnect. As a result, the first brace 210 and the second brace 215support the first canopy 260, and the first brace 210 and the secondbrace 215 are each manufactured to a predetermined length based on thepredetermined tilt angle of the first canopy 260. Additionally, thethird brace 220 and the fourth brace 225 support the second canopy 265,and the third brace 220 and the fourth brace 240 are each manufacturedto a predetermined length based on the predetermined tilt angle of thesecond canopy 265.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary solar power generation assembly 300according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Thesolar power generation assembly 300 also shares similar components asthe solar power generation assemblies 100, 200 (e.g., casting andcolumn). In one implementation, the solar power generation assembly 300is a single-tilt carport. The solar power generation assembly 300includes a casting 330 attached to a column 305. A first brace 310, asecond brace 315, a third brace 320, and a fourth brace 325 connect thecasting 330 to a crossbeam 335. The crossbeam 335 supports a pluralityof purlins 340, and the purlins 340 support a plurality of photovoltaicmodules 345. For example, each purlin 340 supports a row of photovoltaicmodules 345. The first brace 310, the second brace 315, the third brace320, and the fourth brace 325 are manufactured at different lengthsbased on the predetermined tilt angle of the single-tilt carport.

It should be appreciated that the casting support configuration allowsfor common structural members for each of the solar power generationassemblies 100, 200, 300 including the columns 105, 205, 305; the braces110, 115, 120, 125, 210, 215, 220, 225, 310, 315, 320, 325; and thecrossbeams 135, 235, 335. However, the crossbeams may be manufacturedfor different predetermined tilt angles and the braces may bemanufactured at different lengths to accommodate for the differentpredetermined tilt angles. For example, the first brace 110 and thesecond brace 115 in FIG. 1 will be longer when the first portion 150 ofthe canopy is at a 15 degree tilt angle compared to a 10 degree tiltangle. However, the first brace 110 and the second brace 115 in FIG. 1for a 10 degree tilt angle can be the same lengths as the first brace210 and the second brace 215 in FIG. 2 for a 10 degree tilt angle eventhough the braces are for different solar power generation assemblies,which provides a significant cost savings in manufacturing.

In one implementation, the tilt angle is measured relative to an axisthat is perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the column 105, 205, 305.In other words, if the column 105, 205, 305 is vertical, a horizontalaxis perpendicular to the vertical column is the reference (i.e., 0degree tilt angle) for measuring the tilt angle of the one or morecanopies or one or more portions of canopies of the solar powergeneration assembly.

Although the canopy is described as a solar canopy, the disclosure isnot limited to solar canopies and the inventive aspects described hereincan be used with any canopy, awning or roof structure.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary single-tilt carport 405 at a predeterminedtilt angle according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one implementation, the predetermined tilt angle of thesingle-tilt carport 405 is 10 degrees. However, the predetermined tiltangle of the single-tilt carport 405 can be 1 degree to 20 degrees.Thus, the exact tilt angle is not limiting on the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary single-tilt carport 410 at a predeterminedtilt angle according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one implementation, the predetermined tilt angle of thesingle-tilt carport 410 is 15 degrees. However, the predetermined tiltangle of the single-tilt carport 410 can be 1 degree to 20 degrees.Thus, these tilt angles are merely exemplary, and other tilt angles arepossible without departing from the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport 505 in a firstpredetermined tilt angle configuration according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the firstpredetermined tilt angle configuration includes a first portion 520 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 2 degrees and a second portion 525 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 4 degrees.

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport 510 in a secondpredetermined tilt angle configuration according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the secondpredetermined tilt angle configuration includes a first portion 530 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 10 degrees and a second portion 535 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 4 degrees.

FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary dual-tilt carport 515 in a thirdpredetermined tilt angle configuration according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the thirdpredetermined tilt angle configuration includes a first portion 540 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 15 degrees and a second portion 545 ofthe canopy having a tilt angle of 4 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5A-5C, it should be appreciated thatportions of the solar power generation assemblies can use the samecomponents for multiple solar power generation assemblies. For example,the casting may be the same component for each of the solar powergeneration assemblies. More specifically, the first and second brace canbe used for both solar power generation assembly 405 and solar powergeneration assembly 510 because the tilt angle of the solar powergeneration assembly 405 and the tilt angle of the first portion of thesolar power generation assembly 510 are the same. As a result,manufacturing costs can be reduced significantly.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary precipitation flow 605 for solar powergeneration assembly 600 according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter. In one implementation, solar power generationassembly 600 can have an asymmetrical canopy like solar power generationassembly 100. However, it should be appreciated that the precipitationflow 605 has generally the same flow for each solar power generationassembly 100, 200, and 300 configuration in that the precipitation flowis eventually directed to one or more braces (e.g., the second braceand/or fourth brace) and through the casting (e.g., casting 130, 230,330). More specifically, precipitation can initially collect in a guttersystem between rows of photovoltaic modules which drain to eachcrossbeam. Each crossbeam directs precipitation toward a correspondingbrace (e.g., the second brace 115, 215, 315 and/or the fourth brace 125,225, 325). Then the one or more braces direct precipitation to thecasting where a gutter can be disposed within or adjacent to the columnwhere the precipitation flow 605 terminates.

In one implementation, the casting and corresponding braces areconfigured such that at least one of the precipitation management braces(e.g., second brace 115) is positioned to connect to the crossbeam ofthe canopy at a lowest point of the canopy to assist in removal ofprecipitation from the canopy.

Additionally, FIG. 6 depicts a zoomed in view of a gutter 610 disposedwithin a crossbeam 615, wherein the gutter 610 is configured to directthe precipitation flow 605 to the water management brace (e.g., thesecond brace 115, 215, 315 and/or the fourth brace 125, 225, 325).

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary external portion 705 for precipitationmanagement according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one implementation, a brace 710 includes an external portion705 of a precipitation management system for the power generationassembly, wherein the external portion 705 is a gutter attached to thebrace 710. More specifically, the external portion is disposed outsideof the brace 710.

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary internal portion 720 for precipitationmanagement according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one implementation, the internal portion 720 is disposedinside the brace 710.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, both the external portion 715 and theinternal portion 720 are portions of the precipitation flow 605 in FIG.6 configured to assist in removing precipitation from the one morecanopies. Additionally, it should be appreciated that brace 710 cancorrespond to the fourth brace 125, 225, 325. Additionally, the secondbrace 115, 215, 315 can also be similarly configured to assist inremoving precipitation from the one or more canopies.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary integrated charging station 815 according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In oneimplementation, the charging station 815 is integrated into a column820, wherein the column 820 is configured to support a portion of asolar power generation assembly. The column 820 can be part of aY-structural support configuration that includes a casting (e.g.,casting 130, 230, 330) and a plurality of braces configured to supportelectrical cable and precipitation management. In one implementation,one or more of braces 805 and 810 are configured for electrical cablemanagement. For example, electrical cables can be disposed in one ormore of the braces 805 and 810 such that the electrical cables can runfrom the photovoltaic modules in a canopy of the solar power generationassembly to the charging station 815. More specifically, the electricalcables can run from the photovoltaic modules, through one or more of thebraces 805 and 810, through the casting, and through the column to thecharging station 815. It should be appreciated that the charging station815 can represent one or more charging stations integrated into thecolumn 820. Additionally, brace 805 can correspond to the first brace110, 210, 310, and the brace 810 can correspond to the third brace 120,220, 320.

FIG. 9 depicts exemplary integrated lighting 905 according to one ormore aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, thelighting 905 is integrated into one or more purlins in a solar powergeneration assembly (e.g., solar power generation assembly 100, 200,300). The lighting 905 can be LED lights recessed into one or more ofthe purlins. Additionally, the electricity required to operate thelighting 905 can be provided by the photovoltaic modules.

FIG. 10 depicts exemplary purlin connection according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation,assembling a solar power generation assembly includes installing rows ofphotovoltaic modules, wherein each row of photovoltaic modules isconnected to one or more purlins. For example, a first row ofphotovoltaic modules 1005 can be connected to a first purlin 1015 and asecond row of photovoltaic modules 1010 can be connected to a secondpurlin 1020. The second row of photovoltaic modules 1010 andcorresponding second purlin 1020 can be connected to the first row ofphotovoltaic modules 1005 and corresponding first purlin 1015 asindicated by purlin connection arrow 1025. In one implementation, thefirst purlin 1015 and second purlin 1020 can be connected via a purlincoupler (e.g., see FIG. 16, purlin coupler 1605).

In one implementation, the first row of photovoltaic modules 1005 andcorresponding purlin 1015 can span two crossbeams 1030, and subsequentrows of photovoltaic modules and corresponding purlins (e.g., the secondrow of photovoltaic modules 1010 and second purlin 1020) span one ormore crossbeams 1030. As a result, the one or more rows of photovoltaicmodules, corresponding purlins, and crossbeams form one or more canopiesof a solar power generation assembly. Alternatively, or additionally,the one or more purlins and photovoltaic modules 1005 can bepre-assembled and lifted as an assembly, as one of ordinary skill wouldrecognize.

FIG. 11A depicts an exemplary casting 1105 according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, thecasting 1105 is a one piece casting. The casting 1105 can include afirst receiving portion 1125 and a second receiving portion 1140 for thebraces on each side of the support structure. In one implementation, thereceiving portions 1125, 1140 is square to receive square braces.However, other shapes and/or form factors are possible.

Additionally, the casting 1105 can be manufactured such that eachreceiving portion 1125 is at a predetermined angle regardless of thetype of solar power generation assembly 100, 200, or 300. As a result,the same casting 1105 can be used for each type of solar powergeneration assembly 100, 200, 300, and for any tilt angle of any canopyor portion of the canopy. Instead of adjusting the angles of thereceiving portions 1125 of the casting 1105, the lengths of the bracesare adjusted to accommodate corresponding tilt angles. Because the samecasting 1105 can be used for each type of solar power generationassembly 100, 200, 300, manufacturing costs can be significantly reducedand installation efficiency can be improved, for example.

In one implementation, the receiving portion 1125 includes a first hole1130 and the receiving portion 1140 includes a second hole 1135. Thehole 1130 and the hole 1135 can be mirrored on the opposite side of thecasting 1105. The first hole 1130 can be configured for electrical cablemanagement such that electrical cables running through the brace thatconnects to the corresponding receiving portion 1125 enter the casting1105 through hole 1130. The second hole 1135 can be configured forprecipitation management such that precipitation running through thebrace connected to the corresponding receiving portion 1140 runs throughhole 1135. The second hole 1135 can having a larger diameter than hole1130 to accommodate for the precipitation. It should be appreciated thatthe first receiving portion 1125, the first hole 1130, the secondreceiving portion 1140, and the second hole 1135 are mirrored on anopposite side of the casting 1105 to provide the same brace connectionfeatures, as well as the option for the same electrical cable andprecipitation management features.

FIG. 11B depicts an exemplary casting 1110 according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, thecasting 1110 is a two piece casting including a first casting piece 1115and a second casting piece 1120. It should be appreciated that thereceiving portions, as well as the electrical cable and precipitationmanagement features described in FIG. 11A also apply to the casting 1110depicted in FIG. 11B. Any desirable number of pieces or components canbe assembled to form a casting.

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary placement for an electrical component oraccessory (e.g. inverter) 1215 according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the inverter 1215 spansbetween a first purlin 1205 and a second purlin 1210.

FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary placement for the inverter 1215 accordingto one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In oneimplementation, the inverter 1215 is positioned at an end of a crossbeam1220. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the distancemeasurements indicated in FIG. 12B are exemplary and can change based oncolumn height, tilt angle, and the like.

In one implementation, the inverter 1215 is configured to invert directcurrent from the photovoltaic modules to alternate current for the oneor more integrated charging station 815, for example. Additionally, itshould be appreciated that different numbers and/or sizes of inverterscan be used based on the size of the solar power generation assembly.

FIG. 13A depicts an exemplary column-to-brace weldment 1305 according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In oneimplementation, the braces on each side of a column are welded to aportion of the column-to-brace weldment 1305 that is then attached tothe column. The column-to-brace weldment 1305 can reduce a number ofparts (e.g., fasteners) required to secure the braces to the column.

FIG. 13B depicts an exemplary column-to-brace casting 1310 according toone or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In oneimplementation, the braces on each side of a column are attached to acasting via fasters in the column-to-brace casting 1310 configuration.The column-to-brace casting 1310 reduces fabrication cost because thereis no welding, there is optimization of material for casting, itmaximizes shipping volume, and the like. Additionally, more boltingpoints allows for tolerance adjustments.

Regarding FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, it should be appreciated that allaspects of precipitation and electrical cable management apply to boththe column-to-brace weldment 1305 and the column-to-brace casting 1310.Unless specifically stated, any reference herein referring to “casting”or “casting structure” may be or include the column-to-brace weldment1305 or the column-to-brace casting 1310.

FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of a crossbeam 1410 according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, arrow1405 depicts a lengthwise end view of the crossbeam as shown in FIG.14B.

FIG. 14B depicts a lengthwise end view of the crossbeam 1410 along fromthe perspective of the arrow 1405 in FIG. 14A according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. The lengthwise end view of thecrossbeam 1410 depicts space available for electrical cable andprecipitation management.

FIG. 15A depicts an exemplary connection of a crossbeam 1505 connectedto a purlin 1510 according to one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter. In one implementation, the crossbeam 1505 is connectedto the purlin 1510 via a connection apparatus 1515.

FIG. 15B depicts the connection apparatus 1515 configured to attach thecrossbeam 1505 to the purlin 1510 according to one or more aspects ofthe disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the connectionapparatus 1515 is configured to connect the crossbeam 1505 to the purlin1510 while leaving the crossbeam 1505 open for electrical cable andprecipitation management.

FIG. 16A depicts an exemplary row of photovoltaic modules including apurlin coupler 1605 and an end cap 1630 according to one or more aspectsof the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, the purlincoupler 1605 connects two purlins together. Additionally, the purlin endcap 1630 is a cap secured to an end of the purlin. In oneimplementation, the purlin end cap 1630 is an aesthetic component toimprove the aesthetic look of the end of the purlin. Additionally, thepurlin end cap 1650 can prevent precipitation from flowing out the endof the purlin, thereby further assisting the precipitation flow (e.g.,precipitation flow 1605) toward the braces of the support structure toassist in removing precipitation from the one or more canopies of thesolar power generation assembly. Further, the purlin end cap 1630 is astructural component that joins each side of the purlin together, thusincreasing the strength of the purlin.

FIG. 16B depicts the purlin coupler 1605 according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one implementation, thepurlin coupler 1605 includes a forged washer block 1610 which can besecured to the purlin coupler 1605 by hardware 1625 and nut 1620 toincreasing bearing area. Additionally, the purlin coupler 1605 caninclude one or more rivet holes 1615.

FIG. 16C depicts the purlin end cap 1630 according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. The purlin end cap 1630 can besecured to the purlin via hardware (e.g., hardware 1625 and nut 1620).

FIG. 16D depicts an end view of the purlin coupler 1605 according to oneor more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, the endview of the purlin coupler 1605 depicts how the forged washer block issecured to the purlin coupler 1605 via the hardware 1625 and nut 1620.

FIG. 16E depicts a perspective view of the forged washer block 1610according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

Having now described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, itshould be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing ismerely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way ofexample only. Thus, although particular configurations have beendiscussed herein, other configurations can also be employed. Numerousmodifications and other embodiments (e.g., combinations, rearrangements,etc.) are enabled by the present disclosure and are within the scope ofone of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling withinthe scope of the disclosed subject matter and any equivalents thereto.Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged,omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additionalembodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used toadvantage without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly,Applicant(s) intend(s) to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of thedisclosed subject matter.

1. A solar power generation assembly, comprising: a support column; acanopy including first and second canopy portions, each including solarmodules configured to generate solar power; a plurality of bracesarranged on different sides of the support column and configured tosupport the first and second canopy portions and to manage electricalcables extending from the canopy to the support column; and a guttersystem integrated into the canopy and configured to direct precipitationfrom the canopy along at least one of the plurality of braces.